NORTHWICH warmed up for Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated showdown with Winnington Park with a dominant display at Moss Farm.

Batting first against Alvanley, Northwich declared on 165-7 with skipper John O’Sullivan leading the way with an impressive 47. Martin East supported with 38.

In reply, the hitherto league leaders were pinned back by the hosts’ bowling attack as they held out on 86-8.

Looking forward to the big derby this weekend, O’Sullivan said: “We can take great heart from an excellent bowling display that was backed up with some exceptional fielding as we look forward to entertaining Park.”

Park are currently out of sorts and still without a win in Meller Braggins League Division One.

Electing to field on Saturday, Park, being led by Brian Shingler in the absence of captain Phil Amatiello, made a decent start and bowled out visiting Ashley for 146 (Jason Hayes 6-71, James Cowell 4-28).

But in reply, Park’s line-up crumbled under the pressure and were all out for just 103.

Saturday’s clash with Northwich starts at 1.30pm.

Also struggling and without a victory so far is Davenham who narrowly missed out in a thrilling low-scoring affair at Butcher’s Stile.

The hosts made just 92 all out but took visiting Barrow close as the Chester side grabbed victory with 96-9.

Davenham travel to Malpas on Saturday (1.30pm).

In Division Two, Barnton got one over local rivals Weaverham at Broomsedge thanks to an impressive bowling display.

Batting first, Barnton posted by 148-6 (Ben Wingfield 38, Kevin Douglas 2-30) and in reply the Russetts came agonisingly close scoring 148 all out (Steve Robertson 28).

Also in Division Two, Winsford were frustrated at Over Peover and were forced to accept a winning draw.

Batting first the Knight’s Grange outfit made 121 all out but in reply the hosts could only post 95-8 and held out for a share of the spoils. On Saturday, Winsford host Alderley Park.

In the Cheshire Alliance, Hartford suffered against Appleton at Grange Park after they were dismissed for 101.

In reply the visitors eased their way to 103-3, Graham Prew taking 3-20.

This Saturday, Hartford visit Knutsford.